Ask Lilly

Advice is cheap, but good advice is priceless. That's why we're proud to offer our very own advice column "Ask Lilly". Lilly is a semi-angry torty who listens to your problems and dispenses her own no-nonsense point of view from a cat's unique perspective.
About Lilly

I read somewhere that you live with the politician, Hank. My own cat, Abigail, wants to know how on earth she can help. No offense, but she's just a cat. I would like to help too, but I'm not even 18 yet. I can't do anything. What should I do?

Signed,
-Sammy

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Dear Sammy,

It's great that you and Abigail want to help out in the world and make it a better place. I'd recommend finding a local animal group to volunteer with as a start.

Good luck!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Hi. Wondering where I can get a low-cost sturdy cardboard box or wooden crate to make a.shelter for an older feral cat.
Thanks

Signed,
-Cat lover

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Dear Cat lover,

I would try looking on Craigslist or Freecycle for your area to see if anyone has any material they're getting rid of. Also look for people giving away dog houses as they can be made into shelters as well. You can always make a cat shelter out of storage containers as well: http://alleycatadvocates.org/communitycat-care-center/creating-winter-shelters/

Hope this helps!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Hello I'm looking to have additional information on Marylu. I have a very affectionate Family. And we're Animal Lovers. Not too long ago I lost my Kitty Friend Midnight. She was lovable, energetic, or an Athletic Cat. Would Run..' All Around the House out of the Blue. Always Played and loved to be loved. She was Social to a degree. But overall Good Cat. Does Marylu fit this category? Also would like to contact the foster parent of Marylu. Thank you.

Signed,
-Mike

Sunday, July 05, 2015

Dear Mike,

I'm very sorry for your loss. The best way to get more information on Marylu would be to call the Animal Allies hotline at 703-940-9183.

Best of luck!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

We have a stray cat in our backyard that has been hanging out since Sunday night. Who can we call to rescue the cat?

Signed,
-Mariyn

Sunday, July 05, 2015

Dear Mariyn ,

Try checking with local animal rescue groups in your area. If you're in the Northern Virginia area you can call the Animal Allies hotline at 703-940-9183.

Best of luck!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Hi, my mom and grandma have adopted many cats through you, but now I need some help with my dog.Do you have any leads on cheap dog crates? She's a little rowdy and has chewing/discipline problems.Thanks for your help!

Signed,
-James

Sunday, July 05, 2015

Dear James,

I would try looking on Craigslist or Freecycle to see if anyone has any cheap or free crates they'd be willing to give up. Walmart also carries a line for around $40.

Hope this helps!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I was wondering if Nathan pets you enough, and if you are happy at your home? If he is neglecting you, let me know and I will handle it.

Signed,
-Ryan

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Dear Ryan,

Thank you very much for your concern. Yes, Nathan is very kind and I'm very happy. Sometimes he leaves for long periods of time, which I don't like, but I put up with it.

For those of you not in the know, Nathan is my pet and I've had him for almost twelve years now. He's very dear to me.

Take care!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I have 3 loving beautiful black long-haired cats that need homes. Two males (neutered) and 1 female (spayed) I already have 4 and cannot keep these 3 due to disability. I need to find them loving homes. Won't take them to pound. Please help me.

Signed,
-Helen

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Dear Helen,

I'm not sure where you live, but maybe you can foster the cats while they're looking for homes. Try talking to Animal Allies (or a rescue group local to you) and see if they'll allow you to list the cats with them while you care for them. They might be able to place them for you.

Best of luck!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

I want a pet but my parents don't approve it. What do I do to convince them? Plus, a question about Animal Allies. How much do the shots for the pet cost?

Signed,
-Jessica

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Dear Jessica,

You should see why your parents don't want you to have a pet and find out where they're coming from. Maybe they don't believe you'd take care of your pet, in which case you can show them how responsible you'll be. Or maybe they have legitimate reasons, such as a baby or money. I suggest talking to them with an open mind and make sure each side understands the other.

As for shots, Animal Allies pays for the shots for all animals they foster - but they don't do shots for other animals.

Take care!

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Why do cats purr?

Signed,
-Anthony

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Dear Anthony,

Cats usually purr when they're content or happy, but they can also purr to help alleviate stress - such as when they're in labor.

-Lilly

Dear Lilly,

Sometimes my cat's nose is warm, does this mean he has a fever?

Signed,
-Alex

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Dear Alex,

Not necessarily - our noses are sometimes wet and cool or warm and dry throughout the day, but it's usually just changes in our internal temperature and not related to an illness. If your cat's nose is warm and dry for long periods of time and you notice cracking, or if there are other symptoms, then you might want to talk to your vet.

Got problems? Life getting you down? Just need some old-fashioned advice and a fresh perspective? Then ask Lilly, Animal Allies resident psychologist and irritated torty who's on hand to give her friendly* and non-judgmental advice.

* May not be friendly.

Dear Lilly,

Signed,

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About Lilly

Lilly is a beautiful semi-angry torty who has been Animal Allies' resident advice columnist for 15 years now.
Lilly was born on the streets and was rescued by an animal rescue agency, and brings her intelligence and street-wise no-nonsense point-of-view to answer her readers' questions with intelligence and wit.
In addition to being a beautiful, intelligent little girl and former feral - Lilly is also a survivor of hyperthyroidism which almost took her life in 2015. Thanks to the radiation treatment from RadioCat, Lilly is now
completely cured and lives comfortably in the Springfield, VA area along with her human.